Pro Wrestling in Knoxville draws crowds, memories

A worldwide audience will soon be watching Knoxville, as the city is the latest stop for Impact Wrestling.

The show will be seen in dozens of countries and featured some big names, including the one and only Hulk Hogan.

According to officials, the Knoxville Civic Coliseum was sold out to 5,000 people on Wednesday evening. However, some historians said the sport has always had a loyal following here in East Tennessee.

"Knoxville has always had a great history of wrestling," said Civic Coliseum director Bob Polk. He was a wrestling promoter in 1970's. "I saw about 20 people tonight who used to go to studio wrestling."

That studio wrestling took place right here in the WBIR studios during the 50s and 60s. Fans used to crowd outside the station for hours and commercial spots always sold out fast.